TMJ pain and locking of my jaw.?


Question:
I just had a root canal started this past weekend and now my jaw refuses to open completely. I have TMJ but it's never been this bad. Has anyone ever had this problem. I can open wide enough to talk but eating is getting to be a pain.

Answers:
It takes a lot of muscle work for you jaw to remain open for a long period of time, like a root canal or even just the starting of one. Your jaw could be sore from holding it open for too long, or you might have pulled a muscle in it. Try using some ice packs for a few days, and take some ibuprofen to help with the pain and also swelling. It that doesn't help, you might need to see a doctor that specializes in TMJ treatments or ask your doctor to make you an occlusal guard, which will help your jaw to relax.
I went to a chiropractor, and while she help my jaw open as hard as she could, she had me try to shut it. You can do the same by putting your fingertips into your mouth and holding your lower front teeth open, while trying to shut your mouth. Should do the trick. If it doesn't it won't hurt.

Blessed Be
Lock Jaw is usually caused by pricking yourself with a rusty object. Did you step on a rusty nail recently? Was your surgery performed with a rusty utensil?
next time you go to the dentist ask for a bite block. there are also a lot of TMJ exercises you can do. this works the best for me:
Rest elbow on table or arm of chair. Place chin in palm of hand with mouth open slightly. Gently push chin as if trying to close mouth. Allow no movement of jaw. Repeat for a total of ten (10) times. Use as much force as is comfortable.
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